Monday, November 06, 2006

Blogiversary

It's astonishing, but today marks the first anniversary of Go Knit In Your Hat. Yes, it's my blog-iversary. And as I look back on the past year, I can only say "thank you" to all of you, the faithful readers.

I have enjoyed writing this blog more than I ever thought I would. And I have met more interesting and funny and kind people than I ever knew were out there. People like Mindy, to swap bunny and little kid stories with. People like Bonnie, who shares my quirky worldview. Rosie's customers like Mary Kay and Sherry and Wendy and Christina, who I had known casually but now count as friends. And Lars, and Ted, and Lee Ann, and so many more of you that I can't name.

I am frequently amazed at the readers who leave comments. Funny comments, snarky comments, comments that add immeasurably to the topic at hand. I knew that my circle of close knitting friends would read this blog (and I do loves me my Wolvies, Mar and Joe and Kathy and Franklin and Liza and Selma and Lisa and Loopy), but I didn't expect a significantly broader readership, or one that displays the generosity and good will I have experienced.

I certainly didn't expect to begin an internet business, but I have found great joy and fulfillment in Black Bunny Fibers and been touched at the willingness of the fiber community to support me in my new endeavor.

I also didn't expect the extent to which blogging would change me. I envisioned the blog as a snarky venue in which I could vent about things that annoyed me, kvell about things that I liked, and create a record of my fiber projects. Sure, I am able to do those things -- and do -- but the blog has morphed into something more. (Or at least I hope it has.) As someone who has learned so much from the internet knitting community, I have found it fun and rewarding to help give back a little by writing posts that help knitters with technical or substantive issues. I have found myself deciding which political issues -- like equal rights for the GLTB community, or dissatisfaction with the corrupt party that now controls the U.S. government -- really mean something to me, enough that I'll say what I think without caring who doesn't like it.

And perhaps most important, I have found that viewing my world through the lens of this blog has changed the way I see it. When I go to a fiber festival like Rhinebeck, I find myself looking around, really seeing the things in front of me: examining color and patterns, noting interesting or inspirational images, appreciating the offbeat and the beautiful. I remember more as I make mental notes of things to blog about. When describing what I've seen and experienced to all of you, I make connections between my life and the bigger world. In short, my blog has made my day-to-day experiences deeper and richer.

Thank you for reading my blog. I look forward to continuing this journey with you for a long time to come.

21 comments:

mindy said...

You better!!!!
Happy Blogiversary to you- we're all glad you're here.

Anonymous said...

You remind me of a statement made by my art teacher: once you become an artist you will never see the world the same way. Clearly, you qualify as an artist!

Unknown said...

Happy blogiversary. The knitblog world is better for your year-long endeavor.

At least I am.

Wendy said...

Happy Blogiversary from a lurker-turned-poster!

It was great talking with you at the booth yesterday -- thanks for the comments on Charlotte.

Anonymous said...

Happy BLOGGIVERSARY!

I enjoy your take on the knitting world and the world in general.

Your faithful stylish Mid-West Lady Reader,
mp

Bridget said...

Congratulations! I really enjoy your blog, even if at first I read it because you threatened me if I didn't ... :-)

You're the best!!

Anonymous said...

A year already? Damn, time flies. So glad to have met you, both here and in the flesh. Plus, you make all that legal stuff soooooooo sexy.

Anonymous said...

Carol,
I've been very grateful for your blog. Your political/social commentary is always coherent and passionate; your book and product reviews along with your technical knitting posts have made me think much more critically about my own knitting. Thank you so much, and here's to another year of great writing!
--Lee

turtlegirl76 said...

Only a year? It's hard for me to believe you've had your blog as long as I have (though it existed previous to November 2005, it was pretty pathetic and non-knitterly). I've enjoyed reading you for the past year immensely and look forward to even more! And I loves me some BBF! I tell all my friends about it!

Liz K. said...

Has it only been one year? Carol, congratulations on your blogiversary, and thank you, as one of your loyal readers, for publishing one of the meatiest, most thought-provoking knitting blogs out there. Most knit blogs (mine included) are generally journals of one's kniting progress, but yours never hestiates to take on an issue or to educate readers about many aspects of knitting.

Yours is a unique voice, and I truly enjoy my reading here.

Franklin said...

Many, many happy returns of the day!

You certainly have found your niche, and I hope that makes you proud.

I love you madly even when you're funnier than I.

xoxoxoxoxoxo
Franklin

MsAmpuTeeHee said...

Oh, sweet Carol. Happy Happy Blogiversary! I love reading your eloquent description of how blogging has changed you...I share some of the same feelings about blogging myself, and can't always articlate them.

And I am so very honored to be able to "quirk" with you :-)
Love & Light~~bonnie

Carol said...

Happy 1st Blogiversary! Here's to many many more!

Ween said...

I've really enjoyed reading your blog this past year. Everything from Price Fixing to Set in Sleeves, I always learn something when I come here.

And your yarn is to die for!

Big Alice said...

Happy anniversary!
Thank you for writing your blog. I really enjoy reading it.

Unknown said...

You betcher sweet ass I read your blog, religiously. Happy Bloggy-versary and many, many more. And lots of hugs and smootches too! Cause you're my Sissyboo Deux.

Anonymous said...

"Go Knit..." is on my very short list of required blogs. I'm so glad you enjoy writing the blog we all enjoy reading so much.

XXX
Jude in obscureknitty

Anonymous said...

happy blog-a-versary!

you are on my short list of faves, along with marilyn, joe, franklin, lars, and a few others.

someday I hope to meet you (I think we live about 5 miles apart) and purchase some black bunny goodness.

speak out, sister!

anne marie in philly

Mel said...

It's only been a year? You're such a seasoned hand at it, and you've become such a part of my daily routine that I couldn't imagine you not being in the blogosphere.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary! I usually just lurk but I thought I should at least pop up and say hello in honor of the occasion. I really enjoy reading your blog.

Leanne said...

Happy Blogversary! Your blog is definitely one of my favourites. I especially love your frankness and honesty.